Man alleges neglect, abuse at Teays Valley nursing home contributed to wife’s death

A Putnam County man is alleging that his wife died because of “serious injuries from a pattern of poor care, neglect and abuse” at a Teays Valley nursing home.

Chester Rutan, in a suit he filed last month in Putnam Circuit Court as a representative of Loyce Rutan’s estate, argues Teays Valley Center’s actions caused “significant destruction of her physical and mental condition.”

The suit names as defendants both the nursing home and its parent company, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania-based Genesis Healthcare. Genesis’ website states it “offers a variety of services in more than 400 centers across 28 states,” and shows three facilities in Putnam County and six in Kanawha County.

Teays Valley Center admitted Loyce Rutan, of Eleanor, around June of 2012 for rehabilitation and help with daily activities, the complaint states. She died that September.

The nursing home had “insufficient staff and insufficient supplies to meet the residents’ needs,” and failed to prevent Loyce Rutan from suffering multiple falls, Chester Rutan argues. He also alleges the nursing home failed to keep Loyce Rutan and her family “fully informed of her total health status and of her medical condition.”

Chester Rutan says he has suffered “mental pain and suffering and loss of companionship and guidance of his wife,” and says his late wife’s other survivors and her estate have also incurred medical and funeral expenses.

“The actions and omissions alleged above arise to the level of reckless, wanton disregard and punitive damages are warranted,” the suit argues.

Chester Rutan is also seeking other damages, including payment for legal fees.

Patty McQueen, spokeswoman for Teays Valley Center, said the nursing home is committed to providing quality health care but cannot comment on pending litigation.